NCJ Number
85728
Journal
Policy Analysis Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1977) Pages: 187-217
Date Published
1977
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the methodology, findings, and policy implications of Rand's nationwide study of the criminal investigation process in municipal and county police departments.
Abstract
Police investigators spend about 7 percent of their time on activities that lead to solving crime. Case solutions reflect activities of parole officers, the public, and routine clerical processing more than they do investigative techniques. Nearly half of investigators' case-related activities are devoted to postarrest processing, and these activities do not adequately meet prosecutors' needs. Finally, collecting evidence at crime scenes does not help solve crimes unless evidence-processing capabilities are adequate. Study data and footnotes are supplied. (Author abstract modified)